While clicking through the internet I stumbled upon Colette Patterns, which is a small sewing pattern company out of Portland, Oregon. The timing of this stumble is perfect, as I have been thinking a lot lately about getting into the habit of sewing more of my own clothes, but have been having a hard time finding suitable patterns.

Lucky for me (and for you!) Colette Patterns are reasonably priced and the website has plenty of tutorials, and even a forum where you can discuss each of the patterns and ask questions if you are stuck.

Maybe there is a fella in your life who would like a handmade shirt? Woohoo! There is a pattern for a shirt for him, too.

Colette Patterns is owned by Sarai Mitnick, who is a professional sewing writer. Be sure to check out not only the Colette blog, but her personal blog, Sweet Sassafras. Also, watch for her book, The Colette Sewing Book, which is available for pre-order on Amazon.

I was organizing craft supplies in their new home today and was very happy with how much color there is in this space. Neutral, earthy rooms have so much appeal to me, but somehow wherever I am color follows.

Since its humble beginnings in Melbourne Australia, Movember has grown into a global movement inspiring more than 1.1 Million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas to participate. No matter the city or country, Movember strives to change established habits and attitudes men have about their health, to educate men about the health risks they face, and to act on that knowledge, thereby increasing the chances of early detection, diagnosis and effective treatment.

On November 1st, you can register at Movember with a clean-shaven face. For the rest of the month, selfless and generous men, known as Mo Bros, groom, trim and wax their way into fine moustachery. Supported by the women in their lives, Mo Sistas, Mo Bros effectively become walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November. Through their actions and words they raise awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health.

In 2010, over 64,500 US Mo Bros and Mo Sistas helped spread the word.

Why is this important? Because we all have men in our lives (young and old) who we want to stay healthy and vibrant, and being pro-active about their health is one of the best ways to do that.

Shauna and Stephen first made their mustache on a stick over 5 years ago. It all started because Stephen can't grow one of his own (it's sad but true). Naturally, he dreamt of all the staches he wish he could grow and started carving them from wood. one day, Shauna came home to find his collection and immediately said "Stephen, put those on a stick". The rest is photo booth history. They've made hundreds, probably over a thousand and still love seeing photos of them in use.

Looking dapper and handsome isn't the only reason to pose for a photo with a mustache on a stick. Recently, Stephen met with the fellas who started "Movember" a campaign to raise awareness about men's health (specifically cancer). A few years ago stephen's father was diagnosed and beat prostate cancer so the mission of this group is close to their hearts. Shauna, Stephen & I wanted to get involved so we're sharing their classic mustache on a stick with as many people as we can and telling them about Movember.

2. Leave a comment on THIS post letting me know that you have done so. You may gain an extra entry each by linking to this post on your Twitter, Facebook or blog. Just make sure to let me know in your comment so that I can accurately keep track of your entries!

I will randomly choose a winner on the evening of Sunday, October 16 and notify Shauna and Stephen so that they can send the lucky winner their mustache.

Thank you so much for entering and for helping to spread the word about Movember!

The biggest project we tackled in the new house was the kitchen. I try not to be a princess, but it was nasty in there and needed a fresh start. So, we replaced EVERYTHING.
We started by removing the pantry, since it was oddly configured and not very efficient at all. We also removed the nasty texture on the walls and gave them a smooth surface and a coat of fresh white paint to match the rest of the house; replaced the back door, casing and door jam; installed new cabinets, shelving & countertops; installed new flooring; replaced the appliances; and replaced the light fixtures.
Josh and my dad removed all of the existing cabinets and Josh built all brand new ones. He painted them Gossamer by Pratt & Lambert and used butcher block countertops & backsplash, which he ordered through his work. The dark green barn light over the sink was on an "AS-IS" shelf at a local lighting store, and the vintage schoolhouse light in the middle of the room is from a local antique shop.
Our cabinet knobs are NOS vintage copper ones that my dad had in a box in the garage. They were all in the original boxes and wrapped in tissue when I found them and had been sitting there for at least 30 years. Coincidentally there were the exact number we needed!
We decided against upper cabinets on the outside wall because the kitchen is not huge and we did not want to close it in and make it feel smaller than it is. Josh built the shelves out of mahogany, and this is where we store all of our dishes.
He used the same mahogany to build a corner shelf and the windowsills above the sink. The sink itself is Kohler and the faucet is Moen.
An African basket from overstock.com and a small stoneware crock keep dishtowels and kitchen utensils within reach of both the sink and the stove.
Speaking of the stove... We decided pretty early on that we wanted vintage. We actually bought a different vintage Wedgewood originally, but were not happy with it once we got it home. Josh found this one on Craigslist and I am thrilled with it. My main wish was to find one with a griddle, and I am so happy that we were able to. The pale green floor is Armstrong VCT--I can't remember the color name but can look it up if anyone wants to know. It was inexpensive, super durable and a fun way to bring some color into an otherwise neutral kitchen.
Our refrigerator is also vintage and was purchased on Craigslist. We struggled with a refrigerator purchase, as new ones are expensive and junky (at least in our price range). I feel so lucky to have found this one in such great shape and fantastic working order. Like the stove, the refrigerator is the same era as the house (1955) and fits well.
Canvas bins from Walmart keep table linens tidy.
Pantry items are in a cabinet now, but will soon go in a mahogany open shelving unit that Josh will build to go on the wall next to the refrigerator.
There is no dining room in the house, and the most logical place for a table is right in front of the gigantic window between the front door (which still needs to be replaced) and the kitchen. Originally this area was carpeted, but we stretched the kitchen floor all of the way across the room. My mom and dad gave us the antique (late 1800s) dining room table as a housewarming gift. It has seven leaves and can stretch across the kitchen so everyone will fit at holiday dinners. The chairs are from overstock.com, and I highly recommend them!

It has taken us months to get to this point and it is such a relief to finally be here. I am really excited to see the open shelving unit that Josh is going to build, and will definitely share photos once it's done.